Document Type
Article
Peer Reviewed
1
Publication Date
4-1-2013
Scholarship Domain(s)
Scholarship of Discovery
Abstract
The following paper discussed the research and revising process of writing memoir. It began with a literature review that discussed literature about writing, literature about writing memoirs and published memoirs. The literature reviews concluded there are six criteria necessary to make a memoir effective. The six criteria are: length, chronological order, narration, description, theme and overall appeal. The paper then explored the application of criteria to a personal memoir about an abusive relationship, before discussing a survey sent to Olivet alumni that asked objective questions about each criterion. The survey responses are used to help complete a final draft of the memoir, Everything I Want You to Know: Learning We Are Not Alone, which explored the idea that no one is ever truly alone while presenting the story in alternating pieces of current reflection and scenes from the past.
Recommended Citation
Keiss, Autumn N., "Going Public: Writing and Revising the Memoir" (2013). Honors Program Projects. 39.
https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/honr_proj/39
Comments
Honors Capstone Project completed in 2013 for Olivet Nazarene University.